NHS Grampian apologises for air ambulance error

NHS Grampian has apologised to the family affected by an error that saw an air ambulance travel to Shetland instead of Orkney.

As reported in this week’s The Orcadian, the air ambulance, with an incubator on board, was called to the aid of an infant in Orkney but ended up in Shetland.

The youngster was later transferred to hospital in Aberdeen and an investigation into the incident launched.

In a statement issued this morning, NHS Grampian confirmed that it was an error by a member of its staff that led to the air ambulance being sent to Shetland.

“We must stress that this is an extremely unusual incident. We have seen nothing to suggest this was anything other than an isolated mistake.

“We are continuing to investigate further and co-operating with the Scottish Ambulance Service. We are contacting the family involved to keep them updated and to offer to meet with them, should they wish .”

The statement added: “NHS Grampian would like to apologise unreservedly to the family involved in this incident. We would also wish to apologise to our colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service.”